The University of Tennessee at Martin’s WestStar Leadership Program will graduate its 2026 class Tuesday, June 16, in the Boling University Center’s Duncan Ballroom. A 5:30 p.m. reception will be followed by dinner at 6, and the graduation ceremony will conclude the program. The program was established in 1989 and will welcome 33 alumni following graduation of this year’s 36th class.
WestStar classes are chosen by the program’s board of trustees. Selection is based on individual leadership achievements and potential to contribute to West Tennessee’s development. Class members are selected from all occupations and levels of community and regional involvement. The class participates in six sessions covering topics such as business, education, leadership styles and personalities, government and health care.
In addition to recognizing 2026 graduates, several awards will be presented during the program, including the C.P. Boyd Leadership Award chosen by the class, the Jimmy Daniel Make-A-Difference WestStar Leadership Alumni Award, and the Vaughn RisingStar Leadership Scholarship.
Also, the Nick Dunagan Leadership Scholarship will be presented to a sophomore UT Martin student who is a dependent of a WestStar alumnus. Dunagan is UT Martin chancellor emeritus, a WestStar cofounder and a former executive director of the program.
Information about graduation or the WestStar Leadership Program is available by calling the WestStar Leadership Program at 731-881-7298.
